The new third-generation 2012 smart fortwo electric drive has been revealed, and this time the micro EV could be in line for a local introduction.

smart Australia’s Jerry Stamoulis said he could not confirm if Australia was one of the 30 markets that would get the new smart fortwo electric drive, but admitted the brand was in talks about availability of the model.

“We’re not confirming anything just yet,” Mr Stamoulis said.“If it became available we’d definitely consider it.”

The 2012 smart fortwo electric drive is the most practical EV ever from the city car manufacturer.

Powered by a 17.6kWh lithium-ion battery and driven by 55kW/130Nm electric motor, the smart fortwo electric drive promises a range of more than 140km.

Acceleration from 0-60km/h takes just five seconds, while 0-100km/h can be achieved in less than 13 seconds, making it quicker than the current petrol-powered fortwo pulse mhd variants.

Top speed is now up above 120km/h, meaning the smart electric drive will be able to keep pace on most motorways around the world.

While the previous model sourced its battery from Tesla, the third-generation’s pack comes from Deutsche ACCUmotive. It can be fast-charged from empty to full in less than one hour, and takes a maximum of eight hours from a standard power socket.

Style-wise, the new model features a larger radiator grille, LED daytime running lights, wider doorsills and a number of tweaks to the rear. It will be available in all of the colours of the standard petrol and diesel models.

Standard features include climate control with pre-heat and pre-cool functions, nine-spoke alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob, and electric windows and mirrors.

smart has also developed an iPhone application for the car which integrates trip computer information, hands-free phone system, navigation, internet radio and your personal music library.

Like the second-gen model, the 2012 smart fortwo electric drive will be available with a conventional metal roof, glass roof or as a soft-top cabriolet.

smart will officially unveil the new fortwo electric drive at next month’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of an international sales launch in the second quarter of 2012.

smart has set its sights on producing more than 10,000 third-generation models, eclipsing the second-generation EVs which topped 2000 and the first-gen which was limited to 100.